Chapter 103 Get Out Here, You Old Man!

Lu Jinlan smiled and said, “Your Majesty, since I entered the capital, I have heard countless rumors and gossip. In the streets, alleys, teahouses, and theaters, stories about me are told one after another, too numerous to count.”

"I believe they mean no harm. The common people are unaware of the situation and just want to have something to talk about over tea. As long as everyone is happy, that's fine. I always just laugh it off and ignore it."

"But the accusations made by the officials today are far too serious. They have fabricated three major crimes against me. If I don't defend myself, I will feel truly wronged."

Her words sounded somewhat sarcastic, and the ministers glanced at her sideways. They thought to themselves: Although the charges were fabricated, the facts were mostly true; it wasn't just baseless accusations. And she's acting all wronged?

Zhao Mincheng suppressed a smile. "Since you feel wronged, then argue your case. I also want to know what you feel wronged about."

"Yes." Lu Jinlan turned around, looked at the people who had impeached her, and said loudly, "Leaving aside other matters for now, let's talk about giving Yezhou to Qu. You gentlemen are far away in the capital, and you probably can't imagine what it was like when the Jiang-Qu allied forces were at the city gates, with 700,000 troops sharpening their swords."

"It's not that I'm being arrogant, but if I hadn't sneaked into the Qu camp at night and persuaded Xiao Chengying to form the Huaqu Alliance, what you all would be discussing today wouldn't be how many crimes I, Lu Jinlan, have committed, but rather how to hold off 700,000 enemy troops."

"You are all scholars, and you are probably not stupid. Even if you think about it with your heels, you can guess that Xiao Chengying would not betray us for no reason. Granting her a city is a condition for the alliance."

"She helped us defeat the Jiang Kingdom's army, gave our country a city, and betrothed her younger brother to me. This is all thanks to her sincerity in maintaining good relations for over a hundred years."

"I gave Yezhou City to her as a promise to keep. I had already informed the Emperor of the whole story, and His Majesty immediately granted my request and issued an edict giving me full authority to make peace with the two countries."

"My lords, where have I gone wrong? Do you expect me to disobey the imperial decree, break my promise, provoke the Qu Kingdom, and provoke another war?"

Lu Jinlan glared at them, accusing those who impeached her of defying imperial orders.

Chu Ling hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty, we did not mean that. Your Majesty's approval of this matter is naturally a wise move. However, our main point of contention is that some people are taking advantage of this opportunity to seek personal gain..."

Lu Jinlan snorted coldly and interrupted, "Stop talking about 'someone,' aren't you just talking about me?"

Chu Ling retorted angrily, "I'm talking about you! Over a hundred cartloads of valuables were brought into your mansion, and countless eyes saw it. It's a fact that you indulged in pleasure in the military camp, and it's also a fact that you're lecherous, promiscuous, and extravagant. Do you dare to say you didn't?"

Chu Ling suddenly looked at Xiang Ruzhen, "General Xiang, I've heard that you are upright and incorruptible, with unwavering loyalty. Please tell me honestly, has Marquis Jing'an taken the young master of Qu Kingdom into his tent for pleasure?"

Xiang Ruzhen lowered her head and walked to the center, saying in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the matter of being taken into the tent... is true, but I do not know the details inside the tent."

Chu Ling and the others immediately showed joy on their faces. "Your Majesty, we have the witness testimonies. What happened in the tent is nothing more than that. It doesn't require anyone to see it with their own eyes. It's obvious when you think about it."

Lu Jinlan found it amusing. What was there to be so happy about? It was true that this was a fact, and Lu Jinlan did not intend to deny it, but the truth also depended on how it was presented.

If those ministers didn't realize it, how could Lu Jinlan not? Xiang Ruzhen offered her a clue: "There's more to it than meets the eye."

So Lu Jinlan said, "Your Majesty, on the surface, it seems that I was lustful and brought the young master of Qu Kingdom to my tent, but there is actually more to the story."

Zhao Mincheng slightly raised his eyes, "What's the inside story?"

Lu Jinlan said, "I did this for the sake of Huaguo."

Pfft! The hall was filled with suppressed laughter.

Sleeping with a man and bringing the country into it? Even Yan Weijin had to grit his teeth to keep from laughing out loud.

Lu Jinlan sighed dramatically, "Alas, I risked my life to deal with hostages from an enemy country, dedicating my heart and soul to my country and its people. Who can understand my good intentions?"

"If I don't win over this young master, will he serve me wholeheartedly? Without his guidance, how can I enter the Qu Kingdom's military camp? How can I have a heart-to-heart talk with Xiao Chengying and forge an alliance?"

“I brought him into my tent and shared his bed with him, seemingly for pleasure, but in reality, I had a painstaking plan.”

Qin Ling was so angry he laughed. "So, we shouldn't blame you, but should even reward you?"

Lu Jinlan said nonchalantly, "There's no need for that. The Emperor's grace is boundless, and the rewards he has given me are already generous enough. There's no need to praise me for this matter. Besides, to be fair, the young master is exceptionally handsome, so I'm not exactly bearing a humiliation. At most, I'll just endure some misunderstandings."

"Furthermore, although those hundred-odd carts of valuables were brought to my residence from Qu Kingdom, they were part of the young master's dowry. Although he is a man, he is quite favored by the King of Qu Kingdom. I can't possibly stop his mother from giving him more dowry, can I?"

“I’ll accept being called a spendthrift, but I’ve never plundered the people. Our Lu family has been quite wealthy since my great-great-grandmother’s generation. My mother is an honest businesswoman, and every tael of silver in our family is legal. My mother doesn’t mind me spending the family’s money, so what’s it to you?”

"My lords, you can't impeach me just because my family is rich and I like to spend money, can you? If that's the case, then all the wealth in the world belongs to His Majesty. The Emperor bestows rewards on this person and that person every day, and his expenses are not small either. Would you also impeach the Emperor?"

Qin Ling trembled with anxiety, "You... the Emperor's expenses are all for important matters. How can your extravagant spending be compared to the Emperor's? Don't be so unreasonable!"

Zhao Mincheng coughed and said, "A gentleman loves money, but he acquires it in a proper way and uses it in a proper way. As long as the money is earned honestly and used legally, there is no need to criticize it."

Lu Jinlan immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty is truly a wise ruler! Unlike some muddle-headed people who think that poverty is good. Do we enter the court to serve the people so that they can live in poverty? I believe that the right path is for everyone to live a prosperous life."

“Imperial wealth, earned honestly, is certainly better than poverty, which necessitates frugality. I have a long-cherished wish: that all the people of the world may be like me, free from poverty, well-clothed, and even able to spend money like water. If this wish comes true, then our Hua Kingdom will be the greatest nation in the world, and Your Majesty will be the most capable ruler of all time.”

Zhao Mincheng laughed out loud, "I think you love to dream, and you love to dream beautiful dreams. If the common people could live a life of extravagance, I would indeed be the most capable ruler in history. If that day ever comes, I will appoint you as the most capable minister in history."

Wait a minute! The ministers in the hall sensed an unusual atmosphere of joking around. This wasn't an interrogation at all.

Especially Lu Jinlan and the others were a bit confused.

It's one thing for Lu Jinlan to speak carelessly, but how did she manage to lead the Emperor astray?

The two of them are dreaming of a kingdom here, with talk of me being a capable ruler and you being a capable minister. What a load of nonsense, yet they've already been granted fiefdoms?

Qin Ling had a bad feeling. She knew Lu Jinlan was eloquent, but after meeting her today, she still felt that she had underestimated her.

Lu Jinlan was more mature than anyone imagined. Relying on her youth, she pretended to be innocent, straightforward, and outspoken, but in reality, she was more shrewd than anyone else.

The more outspoken she pretended to be, the more the emperor appreciated her praise.

Someone whispered in Chu Ling's ear, "Lord Chu, what should we do? We can't outdo her in flattery, and the Emperor is on her side."

Qin Ling sighed helplessly and said in a low voice, "This person is very cunning. The plan we prepared earlier is useless. But since the Emperor likes her, let's try a different approach. Let's promote her to another place. As long as she doesn't work in the Ministry of Rites, it won't affect us."

So the adults changed the subject and apologized to Lu Jinlan.

“Oh, Lord Lu, it’s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding. Now that you’ve explained it, I understand. Lord Lu has sacrificed himself for the country, and his noble character is truly unworthy of being the Left Minister of Rites. Your Majesty, I dare to recommend Marquis Jing’an for a position in the Ministry of Works. She is clever and resourceful, and I’m sure she can lead skilled craftsmen to bring Your Majesty many surprises.”

Lu Jinlan: Heh, you want me to lead people to repair dikes and build dams, to command blacksmiths, carpenters, stonemasons, and so on, to lead a bunch of craftsmen to clang and bang all day long? I'm not going!

"Your Majesty, I believe that it would be more suitable for Marquis Lu to serve in the Ministry of Revenue. The former Minister of Revenue was convicted and is now out of office, leaving the national treasury in dire need of capable individuals. Marquis Lu was able to turn the tide on the battlefield, and he will surely be able to achieve great things in the Ministry of Revenue as well."

Lu Jinlan: What? Your ex has been arrested? What kind of mess did he leave behind? And he wants to dump it on me? No way!

Lu Jinlan said to the Emperor, "I do not feel that the Ministry of Rites is being wronged. The Left Minister of Rites is a good position, and I am willing to go."

The group then looked at Chu Ling, who stepped forward again: "Your Majesty, I hereby impeach Marquis Lu for three crimes. Although there are many misunderstandings, Marquis Lu's lechery is known throughout the land."

“If Lord Lu were to go to the Ministry of Rites and take charge of education in front of students across the country, it would inevitably have a negative impact and make it difficult for him to serve as a role model for students. It would not be appropriate. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant Lord Lu a more suitable official position.”

Zhao Mincheng nodded slightly, "That makes some sense. So, in your opinion, who should be appointed as the Left Minister of Rites?"

Chu Ling glanced at the three people in the hall. Apart from Lu Jinlan, the only ones waiting to take up their posts were Xiang Ruzhen and Yan Wuxin.

Chu Ling thought: Xiang Ruzhen is definitely not suitable; she's stubborn and argumentative. She has a good relationship with Lu Jinlan, yet she never gave false testimony for him, which shows she's incredibly persistent.

Yan Wuxin is a member of the Yan clan and the daughter of the Prime Minister. Although she was involved in the trouble before, the Yan clan is large, and if her relatives come knocking on her door, can she still remain impartial?

Once a loophole is opened, things will be much easier; all the major families will rush in, and they can continue to enjoy wealth and glory for generations to come.

Upon thinking of this, Chu Ling immediately said, "I believe that General Yan Wuxin is suitable."

Yan Wuxin inwardly cried out, thinking: Don't get me into trouble! If I go to the Ministry of Rites, all those relatives of the Yan family will come to my house and ask me to arrange their children's schooling. I can't handle that.

Yan Wuxin hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, I am even less suitable. I am not yet married, yet I already have eight children. I am even more lustful than Marquis Jing'an, and I am not fit to set an example for scholars."

Another burst of laughter erupted in the hall. Yan Weijin, disgusted by her embarrassment, glared at her through gritted teeth.

Yan Wuxin continued, "In terms of academic performance, Marquis Jing'an is first, General Xiang is second, and I am not even in the top ranks. I am both lustful and lack talent, so I cannot serve as a role model in any aspect."

“That’s not quite right,” Lu Jinlan suddenly interjected. “In fact, General Yan’s admission to the Royal Academy already proves that he is a pillar of the nation.”

Huh? Yan Wuxin was a little confused. What does that mean? Don't push me!

Chu Ling and the others were also a bit confused, but when they heard that Lu Jinlan seemed willing to help Yan Wuxin go to the Ministry of Rites, several ministers quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, General Yan is both literate and martial, don't be so modest."

Lu Jinlan continued, "Being fond of women is not a sin. It's only natural for men and women to be attracted to each other. As the saying goes, 'There are houses of gold and beauties in books.' If all the students in the world believed that studying hard could make them rich and marry a handsome husband, wouldn't everyone love reading even more? It's not a big deal that General Yan has a few Yingzi."

Everyone nodded in agreement, assuming that Lu Jinlan approved of Yan Wuxin's appointment.

Yan Weijin had no choice but to object: "Your Majesty, my daughter is playful, lustful, and lacks talent. Education is a major matter, and the Ministry of Rites is too burdened with its responsibilities. She is not suitable. Please give her another job."

Chu Ling hurriedly said, "Your Excellency, please don't be modest. Didn't Marquis Lu say that being a womanizer is nothing special? General Yan's achievement of a mid-to-high grade in a place full of talented people like the Royal Academy is remarkable enough. He has also made great contributions on the battlefield this time, so how could it be inappropriate?"

“Yes! Yes!” Lu Jinlan echoed loudly, following Chu Ling: “General Yan is suitable, but…”

Lu Jinlan almost couldn't hold back her laughter. She paused for a moment before saying loudly, "But I'm more suitable."

Huh? The change of topic was so sudden that the ministers were all stunned.

Lu Jinlan laughed and said, "Lord Chu has already agreed that being a womanizer is nothing. In terms of academics, martial arts, and even womanizing, I should be the role model for all students. I am perfectly suited to be one."

Zhao Mincheng smiled slightly, "Then there's no need to discuss it further. You will take up your post at the Ministry of Rites tomorrow."

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" Lu Jinlan knelt down to express her gratitude, and deliberately winked at Chu Ling.

Chu Ling was so angry that his face turned ashen, and he almost fainted.

But the matter wasn't over yet. The group of border guards who had returned were waiting outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and they didn't leave.

Everyone was waiting for Lu Jinlan and the others to leave court so they could go to Zhongyong Garden for a banquet together.

Soon after, news came from inside that Lu Jinlan had been impeached by several civil officials.

Kong Luan was furious upon hearing this. He rolled up his sleeves and said angrily, "I knew these civil officials were whispering and doing nothing good. We shed blood and lost our lives on the front lines, and now we have to come back and put up with this nonsense? Isn't this bullying honest people?"

Seeing that the situation was not good, Zuo Suizhi hurriedly said, "Don't panic, find out what's going on first. General Xiang and General Yan are also in court, Marquis Lu won't suffer any losses."

Kong Luan wouldn't listen to that. He angrily said, "Why waste words with these civil officials? I'm going to teach these bookworms a lesson today."

Kong Luan had previously served under Song Jingxiao, who had treated her well. After she joined Lu Jinlan's service, Lu Jinlan treated her even more kindly, helping her rise through the ranks and entrusting her with important responsibilities. In addition, there was the connection with Thirteen, which Kong Luan felt made them closer than others.

Lu Jinlan was ostracized, and while others could remain silent, she had to stand up for her.

Several uneducated, boorish men like her were also eager to try. Sun Lewen and others quickly pulled them back, and just as the crowd was arguing, the court officials left.

A large group of people came out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Kong Luan immediately broke free from Zuo Suizhi's hand, pointed and cursed, "Which one is Imperial Censor Chu Ling? You son of a bitch, get out here!"

*

After the court session ended, the emperor kept Zhao Zhiyu, Lu Jinlan, Xiang Ruzhen, and Yan Wuxin behind to discuss the appointments of the others.

He had barely said two words when the guard rushed in in a panic.

Before he could even speak, Zhao Mincheng frowned and slammed his hand on the table. "What's the panic? A palace coup?"